Had intended to vacation on Sanibel Island 2nd week of November until Hurricane Charley. Need sunning/swimming warmth so I figure anyplace further north is out. Am I right? Thought of Key West, but want a nice beach, quiet surroundings with good restaurants (not the bar scene). Willing to go to the Caribbean, but expenses start to add up in the islands. Any suggestions?

Perhaps rein in that travel lust until we see what happens with Sanibel Island. Have you contated their chamber of commerce about alternate destinations? For Carribean ideas, post there for faster results.

Just to the north of Sanibel is the Bradenton/Sarasota area that is lovely.
As well as the Gulf Beaches including St.Petersburg Beach to Clearwater Beach, and all the little beach communities in between.
Regarding the weather, here is some information about the average temperature high and lows as well as the average Gulf water temps in the Clearwater area:
http://www.internet-ad.com/weather/temp.htm

I think by second week of November things will be back to normal. The major bridge to Sanibel is fine and other than trees down and roofs blown to bits, there are amenities to boot.

But if you're concerned, try Anna Maria (limited restaurants), Passe-A-Grille, Sunset Beach, Sand Key.

If you want the Caribbean, Jamaica is cheap once you get there and the weather is wonderful (warm, sunny).

"Perhaps rein in that travel lust until we see what happens with Sanibel Island."

From what I've read they got hit pretty hard. Do you think it's possible it will be an attractive destination in 60 days? I've been on OBX after a direct hit and it's usually not attractive until next season. Anyone from that area?

(First Fodor's chat post. You guys are quick! Thanks.)

Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island are just above Sanibel and were fortunate to not be hit. They are absolutely beautiful!!

You could also choose St Pete beach, Treasure Island, many beaches that are north of Sanibel and all are beautiful!

You are wise to start looking elsewhere now. I don't believe anyone has mentioned Naples, south of Sanibel, so I'll throw that into the mix. It has lovely beaches, fantastic dining, excellent shopping, and is such a beautiful town. I've stayed at the Registry there...very nice. There's a Ritz as well, and a host of places in varying price ranges. Hopefully Naples resident Patrick can offer more advise if you are interested.

Sure I can, ask away. And although I'm supposedly under oath not to encourage any more visitors to our town (LOL), I must admit that the air and water are likely to be as warm or warmer here than anywhere else in Florida in November.

Patrick, we're planning a December trip to Orlando. After that we were thinking of going to Crystal River for a night and then perhaps St. Petersburg to see the Dali Museum. If I can come up with a charming, warm town, I might be able to lure my family of adults (my 75 year-old mother in law and my brother in law) from different states to meet up for a few days right before Christmas. Any thoughts please?

Hi, Clematis, and yes, I'm the one who rents in London.

Well, I'm not sure what you mean by a "charming town", but somehow Mount Dora comes to mind -- not far from Orlando. But when you say warm, there is a lot of temperature difference usually in December the further south you go. What is it you're looking for? From your London post, I gather you really like fine hotels and quality dining. Well you couldn't do better than Naples for that.

I am still planning to hit Sanibel this fall for some post-hurricane shelling. Most hoteliers think things will be operational late Sept. Will it be as pretty? Who knows. But I'm curious.

Another alternative I would suggest (that I'm debating myself) is the Mexican Yucatan. You get a lot more bang for your buck in Mexico and they have some great deals going on. and if you show up without hotel reservations (as I like to do), you can shop around for even better deals.

Let's face it, Florida is getting really expensive, and your travel dollars can go alot farther in Mexico....

Patrick, a big thank you - Mt. Dora looks perfect with the antiquing. You're right about what we like but the rest of the family might have other needs. I will present them with both Naples and Mount Dora.

Not far from Mt. Dora is Sanford, which has many antique stores in its small downtown. For restaurants and another great museum (Morse Gallery of Tiffany glass art) and ambiance, Winter Park can't be beat.

The beaches will be good this fall. Whether all the hotels and condos can get their refurbishment done, remains to be seen. Captiva has more work to do and probably won't be ready for tourists until mid-November. South Seas hopes for Thanksgiving.

The island will look different, that is for sure. The huge Australian pines have been reduced in number. Their shallow root systems allowed them to fall like dominoes. It is hard for me to think of Periwinkle Rd. without the Australian tree canopy. Sea Grapes did well and those that were knocked over could be righted and will continue to grow.

Things grow fast here in Florida. The key now is to get the roofs repaired so that the interior refurbishment can be done quickly. LMF